Hughes Electrical has opened the doors on its brand new store in Bury St Edmunds following a £200,000 investment which has also created six new jobs – doubling the size of the workforce. It offers a greater range of products as well as improved levels of comfort and service for customers, the retailer says.
The opening follows the company taking over premises on the corner of Brentgovel Street and St Johns Street previously occupied by Mothercare. Hughes has operated in the town since 1981 and the new store is over twice the size of the previous one in the Buttermarket, with 12 members of staff.
They will continue to be led by Andy Yallop, who has managed the Hughes store in Bury for over 17 years. Andy (pictured left) said: “We are all delighted to make the move because it means there will be a far greater range of large and small kitchen appliances on display, as well as home entertainment products which Hughes is best known for.
“The store has car parking at the front and rear of the building allowing our customers to take advantage of the ‘click & collect’ service offered at www.hughes.co.uk. The boxed storeroom is also over twice the size allowing easier cash & carry sales.”
Hughes Electrical managing director Robert Hughes (pictured right) added: “Over the years we have seen around ten electrical retailers shut their doors in the town including Dixons, Powerhouse, Rumbelows, Bennetts, Comet and Radio Rentals. However we always have and we always will be totally committed to Bury St Edmunds which we have underlined by opening this new store.
“I live in Bury myself and believe we have a shopping centre that is the envy of many market towns. So I am delighted that Hughes finally has a store here to be proud of and that meets the ambitions of both ourselves and our customers.
“We believe this investment will be a real boost for St Johns Street which is home to many interesting and vibrant independent retailers that helps make our town so distinct.”
The Hughes Electrical Group is now one of East Anglia’s largest companies with annual sales of £110m and employing over 900 people. It sells through high street shops, the internet and trade centres.
According to Robert Hughes, the company’s success is down to its focus on customer service both before and after a sale.
He explained: “We try to take the stress out of buying electrical equipment by demonstrating products and advising customers in store, then installing and servicing it in their homes.
“Our staff have excellent product knowledge and genuinely care about their customers and this has enabled us to not only remain on the high street but expand into bigger stores like this one in Bury. Already this year we have done exactly the same in Great Yarmouth and Swaffham, both of which have proved highly successful.”
